After a nice surprise Communication from Ram Thakur, thought I would let TN know that I'm still in the land of the living and to say hello to all that I 'knew' a couple of years ago.

This is a species of Ground Beetle, Odacantha melanura, known in Swedish as Vasslöpare, meaning,'reed runner'. It lives by the water amongst reeds and is a predator on small invertebrates. It is about 7 mm long.
This was taken with the camera hand-held.

Good morn from the US Ivan. I too have been peeking in now and then, but nary a word from Ram to me.

A most worthy entry and refreshing to see proper notes. How it should show the way to the youngsters. And mixed with pure on topic picture is a double winner for those who like learning the proper way to photograph and present.
Cheers around.
Bob

Hi Ivan,it's nice to know that you're still in life..ahahah....i'm very happy to see you again with this beautiful memory pic,a great macro and a very interesting post as usual.Say goodbye to Ulla too! Have a nice day and thanks,Luciano

Hello Ivan,
What a nice surprise to once again view one of your many wonderful images and as you already eluded to, know you are still on this side of the grass:-)
Your little predator is quite colorful with it's iridescent bluish green upper body and orange abdomen tipped with a bit of black. Exceptional detail displayed and exposure is right on the money. Your f/11 aperture resulted in some very good DOF. Great shot Ivan!
Ron

That is the kind of work that had once made TN a place worth being on, Ivan.
I am thrilled to see this superb macro image of an interesting species.
Please keep posting occasionally, if not regularly.
Warm regards.
Ram

Hello Ivan,
very pleased to see that kind message of yours with such a gently taken fragile little beetle. That ground beetle seems to be so transparent that its hidden folded wings may be seen under their cover. Having turned into a rare visitor myself to this site - and still much obliged and attached to it - I have to apologize for this late discovery.
With all my best wishes to you and to Ulla,
Peter